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Feast Day: October 28
Birth: June 19, 1881
Death: October 28, 1936
Blessed Maria Asuncion, also known as Giuliana González Trujillano, Juliana Gonzalez Trujillano, Maria Assunta, María Asumpta, or Sister Asumpta, was born on 19 June 1881 in Barco de Ávila, Ávila, Spain. She was the daughter of Anacleto González and María del Rosario Trujillano.
At the tender age of 11 days, Juliana was baptized and was raised in a devoutly Catholic family. She grew up with a deep sense of faith and a strong desire to dedicate her life to serving God.
In 1900, she became a tertiary in the Franciscan Sisters of the Divine Shepherdess, now known as the Franciscan Missionaries of the Divine Motherhood. This community was founded with the aim of providing education and promoting the Christian values of love, compassion, and service to those in need. Juliana's sincere devotion and commitment to her spiritual calling led her to join the Sisters at the Madrid house on 18 February 1903.
During her time as a sister, she served in various capacities, displaying a remarkable dedication to her mission. She worked as a teacher at the Colegio de Arenas de San Pedro, one of the educational institutions founded by the Franciscan Missionaries. Her passion for education allowed her to positively impact the lives of numerous young students.
In 1910, Juliana made her solemn profession in La Coruña, Spain. This marked a significant milestone in her religious journey, as she fully embraced the vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. From there, she was assigned to the motherhouse of the Missionaries, where she served as a sacristan. In this role, she diligently carried out her duties, ensuring that the sacred liturgical items and vestments were appropriately prepared for worship.
Tragically, during the tumultuous times of the Spanish Civil War, Blessed Maria Asuncion became a victim of religious persecution. On 28 October 1936, she was martyred in Madrid, Spain, for her unwavering faith and refusal to renounce her religious beliefs. She bravely stood firm in her commitment to Christ until the very end.
Blessed Maria Asuncion was venerated on 5 July 2013 by Pope Francis through the decree of martyrdom, recognizing her selfless sacrifice for the faith. Her beatification followed on 13 October 2013, also proclaimed by Pope Francis.
Though no specific representation is mentioned, it is worth noting that many depictions of the blessed typically showcase her in the traditional habit of the Franciscan Sisters, indicating her affiliation with the order.
Blessed Maria Asuncion serves as an inspiring example of steadfast devotion, selflessness, and courage in the face of persecution. Her life and martyrdom continue to resonate with Catholics around the world, reminding us of the importance of standing firm in our faith, even in challenging times.